December 28--Saturday is the date for the Wickenburg Public Star Party. The road to Sophies Flat is in fine shape, and the weather is expected to be pretty nice.No mid morning report this time, as I'll be driving back from Utah. Several of the Locals will be out of town, but come on out anyways!

Wellll....This morning we continue 100% cloud cover. NOAA Phoenix indicates clearing sometime during the evening tonight. Clear Sky Charts show conditions improving during the afternoon. Temps have been mid 70's to mid 50's. As the man said "Watch the sky".

Ron, All of the adult raccoons who were there when you were last here, have gone to old raccoon homes. Sadly, most have since passed away. There is a new group of raccoons, who have heard all of the stories from their elders, and are all looking forward to meeting you. Of course, you'll have to introduce yourself, but I'm sure they'll be very welcoming.

Ok I am game. Is the party at the trailhead? I got these directions: From U.S. 60 just east of the Hassayampa River bridge turn north on El Reco Road (next to the New Frontier Restaurant), proceed 1/4 mile and bear right on Constellation Road 3.2 miles to Blue Tank Road which diagonals to the left. (Look for the brown directional sign.) Take Blue Tank Road 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

Those ARE the optimal directions. If you get to McDonalds, you've gone too far. Turn around, and turn left after "Ike's Cook Shack". I was out there yesterday. The road is getting a little washboarded, but the rocky stretch on Blue Tank has been cleaned up by Yavapai County.

Hi Ron,
If you live in Surprise, the night sky here is much, much better. There is a large light dome from Phoenix to our southwest (duh), but there are no ground based lights visible from Sophie's Flat. Another amenity-- a BLM pit toilet with a door and TP. The site has been graded, and rock has been brought in for a base. You can stay all night if you wish, no permits or fees. Look for an update of conditions on Saturday morning.

According to my NOAA Weather Radio, they are calling for partly cloudy skies on Saturday and considerable clouds on Sunday, which would mean increasing clouds Saturday evening. I personally think prospects for the star party are 50/50. I'll definitely get out there if the coin falls on the correct side, otherwise maybe I'll pack up the model I'm building and a few tools and take it down to my favorite hobby shop and work on it there Saturday afternoon.